Erie County announces opening of new single-site homeless shelter

( WJET/WFXP ) — Ahead of its 13th season helping the county's homeless population, Erie County announced Our Neighbors' Place Overflow Shelter will be operating in one centralized location this season.

Previously, Our Neighbors' Place (ONP) operated in roaming locations but will now operate at the Community Resilience Center located at 450 E 16th St. at the direction of Erie County Executive Brenton Davis.

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According to the county, the facility will open every night at 7 p.m. holding up to 50 guests unable to find shelter anywhere else and will be provided a warm meal, shower facilities and safe sleeping accommodations.

The shelter opens for the season on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

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Erie United Methodist Alliance (EUMA) advocates will also be available to help connect guests with essential resources and services.

The shelter will still be operated by volunteers from local churches and EUMA staff with the county saying the single site will simplify access for those in need and help provide more consistent service.

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County officials called the move a significant step forward in their efforts to better serve people experiencing homelessness by allowing them to focus resources on one location and form a more cohesive response to their needs.

Previously, ONP would rotate overflow shelters every two weeks to different partnered churches around the area during the winter.

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